What happened
On January 12, 2025, at approximately 12:04 UTC, a Douglas DC-9-82, registration YV3145, operated by LASER (Línea Aérea de Servicio Regional), C.A., was preparing for departure from General José Antonio Anzoátegui Airport (SVBC) in Barcelona, Venezuela. The flight was destined for Maiquetía International Airport (SVMI).
The aircraft was carrying 69 people, including 6 crew members and 63 passengers. While performing the takeoff roll on runway 33, the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 60 knots when a series of stalls occurred in the left engine. The pilot in command immediately executed an aborted takeoff following established procedures. The aircraft successfully exited the runway using its own power. All passengers and crew members were unharmed, though the aircraft sustained damage.
The investigation
Investigators from JIAAC conducted a thorough examination of the event, which included interviewing the flight crew and reviewing all relevant documentation, including pilot licenses, medical certificates, and maintenance logs. The investigation involved a physical inspection of the aircraft at the site and a borescope inspection of the engines.
Technical inspections focused on the left engine's low-pressure compressor (LPC) first-stage fan blades. While no bird strikes were identified, investigators found evidence of damage consistent with Foreign Object Debris (FOD). Specifically, two teeth were found to be out of limits according to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM).
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine stall was FOD (rubber) impact on the first-stage fan blades.
- Borescope inspection revealed damaged/bent blades in the first stage of the left engine.
- Evidence of staining consistent with FOD was present, although no biological remains (birds) were found.